24. Master Rong's Noble Character

Lu Chen didn't know the exact location of the valley where the Bosiqu Snake resided.

But that didn't mean finding it was like searching for a needle in a haystack, because the place had several distinct characteristics.

Firstly, it wasn't too far from Xiangyang, and secondly, there was a large waterfall there, indicating there was likely a stream or small river, and a high probability it flowed into the Han River.

So, all he needed to do was search near Xiangyang for streams flowing out of the mountains and into the Han River, then follow those streams into the mountains to potentially find the Bosiqu Snake's valley.

The area wasn't huge, and the features were clear enough that even if he didn't find it the first time, searching a few more times would surely yield results.

Lu Chen took Huang Rong with him, searching near Xiangyang based on the characteristics he had summarized, and also inquiring with woodcutters and hunters periodically.

Hard work pays off.

After several days of searching, the two of them gleaned information from an old hunter, who said that while hunting in the mountains along a certain stream, he had seen a strange snake. The snake's scales shimmered with faint golden light, and it could even spring from the ground and leap through the air, making it exceptionally fierce.

"I've lived most of my life, and I've never seen a snake so fierce!"

Talking about the encounter that day, the old hunter clicked his tongue in amazement, vividly gesturing as he spoke:

"An old eagle swooped down from the sky, trying to catch that snake. That snake actually sprang up from the ground, swish, as fast as a crossbow bolt, leaping five or six feet high in an instant, and counter-attacked the eagle that was diving down from the sky. It bit the eagle to death in one go..."

Hearing this, Lu Chen was already certain that the strange snake the old hunter had seen, capable of leaping five or six feet from the ground and killing an eagle, must be the Bosiqu Snake.

He immediately gave the old hunter a two hundred wen banknote, asked him to take them to the side of that stream, then dismissed the old hunter and followed the stream into the mountains.

Huang Rong had heard Lu Chen talk about the purpose of this trip long ago. Now that she saw they had found clues to the "Bosiqu Snake," she was quite excited. She walked lightheartedly along the stream with her hands behind her back, saying cheerfully:

"Lu Chen, if that strange snake really has the miraculous effect you mentioned, let's build a hut in the mountains and practice diligently. When our skills are perfected, we'll go find the Black Wind Double Fiends."

Lu Chen nodded:

"Yes. That's what I think too. But how do we determine when our skills are perfected?"

Huang Rong thought for a moment and said:

"Without using 'Sword One', can you sink a wooden sword half an inch into wood?"

Lu Chen was stunned:

"Isn't that something only the Five Greats can do?"

Huang Rong giggled:

"No rush, we'll practice slowly. Anyway, we still have time..."

The two chatted and walked along the stream, gradually entering deeper into the mountains. Lu Chen also began to become vigilant and warned Huang Rong:

"The Bosiqu Snake is not only as fast as the wind and incredibly strong, its venom is also extremely potent. Rong'er, be careful and don't be careless."

Huang Rong said with a playful smile:

"Don't worry, I'm very clever."

Before her words had finished, Lu Chen suddenly stopped and raised his hand, signaling to stop.

Huang Rong stopped and fell silent, following his gaze. She saw a strange snake, five or six feet long, with faintly shimmering golden scales and a crown-like fleshy horn on its head, coiled in the grass about ten steps ahead. Its appearance was so unique, it was clearly the Bosiqu Snake.

"We found it!"

Huang Rong said softly, her bright eyes showing surprise. An Emei Piercer slid out of her sleeve, and she said eagerly:

"I'll go catch it!"

Lu Chen stopped Rong'er, slowly drew his long sword, and said in a low voice:

"My weapon is longer, I'll try first. Rong'er, you stay behind and support me."

Huang Rong didn't try to be brave and nodded obediently.

Lu Chen held his long sword, gathered his True Qi to lighten his body, and walked soundlessly towards the Bosiqu Snake in the grass.

Just as he approached within seven steps of the snake, the Bosiqu Snake, which had been coiled motionlessly in the grass, suddenly raised its head, hissed, and slapped its tail fiercely on the ground. As if using a Movement Technique, it leaped off the ground, transforming into a golden light, shooting towards Lu Chen like a crossbow bolt.

"Be careful!"

Seeing that the strange snake had actually initiated the attack, Huang Rong quickly called out a warning.

Lu Chen had already been focusing intently on the strange snake, so he wouldn't be caught off guard. As the Bosiqu Snake leaped up, he had already thrust out his sword, the tip aimed directly at the snake's head.

Clang!

The sound of metal striking metal rang out. The snake's head collided with the sword tip, actually producing a few small sparks.

Lu Chen's sword vibrated with a hum. He felt as if this thrust had hit an iron plate, and a recoil force numbed his fingers and palm holding the sword slightly. He couldn't help but marvel at the astonishing strength of this strange snake.

Of course, the strange snake wasn't having an easy time either. Its head was struck by Lu Chen's sword. Although its scales were sturdy and not breached, the internal energy attached to the sword still surged into the snake's skull, causing the strange snake to stiffen all over and fall to the ground.

Without waiting for it to recover, Lu Chen stepped forward and thrust out another sword, accurately piercing the snake's seven-inch spot.

The scales in the seven-inch area were far less sturdy than those on the snake's head, and there was no skull protection. The sword tip paused only slightly before smoothly piercing the scale skin and entering the snake's body.

The strange snake twitched all over. Its tail curled back up, trying to entwine the sword. Lu Chen pulled out his sword and retreated, causing the strange snake's death throes to grasp empty air. The snake's tail could only futilely beat against the ground, hitting it with a thudding sound and sending soil and stones flying.

Seeing this, Huang Rong clicked her tongue in amazement:

"This snake has so much strength!"

Lu Chen smiled:

"Possessing such strange power indeed. Perhaps that's why the gall bladder of this peculiar snake can not only increase internal energy but also greatly strengthen muscles, bones, and physical power."

"What about the snake meat? What effect does the snake meat have?"

"I don't know about the snake meat. Perhaps it has some effect too?"

"Hmm, we can make snake soup. At least it should taste good."

"Even if it doesn't taste good, Rong'er's cooking skills can turn something rotten into something wonderful."

As they spoke, the peculiar snake finally ran out of stamina and stopped moving.

Lu Chen went over and tested it, confirming that the snake was truly dead. He then used his long sword to cut open its belly and extract a dark purple gall bladder.

The gall bladder smelled terrible. As soon as it was out, Huang Rong pinched her nose and ran away, saying with a wrinkled little face:

"Why is it so fishy? It's at least several times, no, ten times, more fishy than a normal snake gall bladder!"

Lu Chen also found it incredibly fishy, but he still braced himself and said:

"Good medicine tastes bitter. That's how the Bosiqu Snake's gall bladder is."

Saying this, he took the gall bladder to a nearby stream to wash it clean, but the strong fishy smell did not diminish.

Lu Chen gritted his teeth, popped the gall bladder into his mouth, and repeatedly beckoned to Huang Rong.

Huang Rong understood and took out a water pouch, handing it to Lu Chen. Lu Chen took a big gulp of clean water and forced the gall bladder down, then let out a long breath as if coming back to life:

"So bitter! Fishy and bitter! It's this bitter just swallowing it whole. If I were to chew and savor it carefully, I'd probably throw up right there."

Huang Rong looked at him with a sympathetic expression:

"How about, in the future, I cook it first? Maybe eating it cooked can suppress some of the fishiness and bitterness?"

"Forget it. Cooking it might make it lose a lot of its potency. I'll just swallow it raw." Lu Chen shook his head with a smile: "Practicing martial arts requires enduring hardship. I guess I'm truly 'eating' hardship in the literal sense now."

As he spoke, he suddenly felt a warm current gradually spread from his stomach, slowly extending to his internal organs and limbs.

Lu Chen's spirit lifted:

"The snake gall bladder's efficacy is starting to work!"

He quickly assumed a stance and began practicing "Half-Move Sword One."

Previously, when he practiced True Qi with Half-Move Sword One, even without unleashing the final burst of power, he could only practice it continuously three times in one go before exhausting his stamina. He would then need to rest for two ke (ancient time unit) before recovering.

But now, with the constant replenishment from the warm current originating from his stomach, his stamina was replenished as it was consumed. He practiced dozens of times in one go without feeling the slightest fatigue.

Moreover, with each practice, the generated True Qi was several times thicker than usual, and its quality was more pure and condensed.

In this way, by the time the warm current in his stomach completely dissipated, Lu Chen had not only greatly increased his internal energy but also made his muscles and bones more resilient, significantly improving his arm strength.

Seeing that he had finally stopped cultivating, Huang Rong asked with a look of concern:

"How was the effect?"

"Very good!" Lu Chen smiled brightly: "The Bosiqu Snake's divine efficacy is astonishing. It increases both internal energy and physical power. I can't enjoy this benefit alone; I must share the good fortune with Rong'er."

Huang Rong was stunned, blinking her bright eyes twice, then pushed back with a smile:

"No, no, no. You have a great responsibility. This benefit should rightfully be yours alone."

"You can't say that. We're companions venturing through the martial world together. How can it be that only my martial arts improve greatly while you remain stagnant? When we catch another peculiar snake later, the gall bladder will be yours, Rong'er!"

"No way. You are the main force in catching the Black Wind Double Fiends. I just need to play a supporting role. So your cultivation is the most important."

"Rong'er..."

"My mind is made up, no need to say more!"

Huang Rong assumed the posture of "Master Rong," clasping her hands behind her back, her little face stern, and said solemnly:

"Lu Chen, have you forgotten who your enlightenment master is? Master Rong is doing this for your own good!"

"..."

Lu Chen was utterly defeated.

Next, the two continued searching for Bosiqu Snakes. As dusk approached, they found two more peculiar snakes. Master Rong, being noble and virtuous, firmly refused them, and the gall bladders were all given to Lu Chen.

Catching snakes after dark was dangerous, so the two went down the mountain first and found a relay station nearby for lodging.

Huang Rong also borrowed the kitchen and beheaded and skinned the three Bosiqu Snakes. After cleaning them, she cooked a pot of snake soup and stir-fried a plate of sliced snake meat.

The Bosiqu Snake's meat was excellent. The snake soup was incredibly fresh and tender, and the sliced snake meat was crisp and springy. Lu Chen couldn't stop praising it.

Huang Rong was respectfully hesitant about the snake gall bladder, but she didn't refuse the snake meat she cooked herself. She also ate a good meal and then discovered that the snake meat also had the effect of increasing internal energy and physical power, although according to Lu Chen, the effect of the snake meat was far inferior to that of the gall bladder, only about one-tenth of it.

But this was still quite good. At least Huang Rong could also slightly improve her internal energy and physical power, which could be considered sharing the good fortune.

Early the next morning.

The two brought various tools and daily necessities and entered the mountain again. By a stream in the deep mountains, they found an open space with a wide view and beautiful scenery. They cut down bamboo and wood to build a wooden house.

After the wooden house was built, Lu Chen and Huang Rong hunted snakes and cultivated in the mountains. Each time they caught one, their internal energy would improve significantly.

Lu Chen also tried to look for the Divine Condor, hoping to find the Sword Tomb guarded by the Divine Condor and obtain those two treasured swords.

However, the current priority was cultivation, and he didn't spend too much effort deliberately searching, so he hadn't found the Divine Condor yet.

He wasn't in a hurry either.

The Divine Condor also liked to eat snakes. Both parties were hunting snakes in the mountains, so they would run into each other sooner or later.

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